Decrease in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic index in endometriosis: role of prostaglandin E2 release.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of disease on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic index and natural killer cell cytotoxicity and to provide additional information concerning the cell-mediated immune function in endometriosis.


METHODS
Chemotactic index of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes, natural killer cell activity, and plasma estradiol (E2) and plasma prostaglandin (PG) E2 levels were evaluated in 46 women who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for pelvic pain, infertility, and/or benign adnexal masses.


RESULTS
The 20 women (43%) with endometriosis showed a decrease in peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic index, related to advanced disease stage (P < .001). A significant inverse correlation was observed between plasma PGE2 levels and chemotactic index in stage III and IV endometriosis (r = -.73, P = .004). Similarly, natural cytotoxicity was decreased significantly with respect to the stage of endometriosis (P = .004) and related inversely to plasma PGE2 levels (r = -.74, P = .003). A direct relationship was observed between PGE2 and plasma E2 levels (r = .59, P = .006).


CONCLUSIONS
Advanced endometriosis is associated with decreased peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic index and natural killer cytotoxicity, which may be related to plasma PGE2 and E2 levels.
Garzetti
G G
GG
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Ancona, Italy.
Ciavattini
A
A
Provinciali
M
M
Amati
M
M
Muzzioli
M
M
Governa
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000276:immunology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology*; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000097:blood*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D012016:Reference Values
D004958:Estradiol; D015232:Dinoprostone